University of South Florida

Presented by The Go Green Team: Mallory Dupuis, Bradley Fischer, Samantha

Bandini, Chloe Daubenspeck, Cassandra Clermont, Dr. F. Tobienne Jr.

University of South Florida St. Petersburg

140 7th Avenue South,

Saint Petersburg, FL

The Go Green

Movement

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Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION 2

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3

WHY IT IS A GOOD THING

THAT COLLEGES GO GREEN

AND WHAT IS THE

OUTCOME?

4

USF OFFICE OF GLOBAL

SUSTAINABILITY 4

USF GO GREEN TIMELINE 6

WHAT IS ACUPCC? HOW IS

USF AFFILIATED? 8

HOW TO BECOME LEED

CERTIFIED 9

2014 DESIGNATED TREE

CAMPUS AREA 10

USFSP GOES GREEN 11

INTERVIEWS 12

DUKE ENERGY GRANTS 1

MILLION TO USFSP SOLAR

RESEARCH

17

USF SARASOTA- MANATEE

JOINS USFS GO GREEN

MOVEMENT

17

JOIN THE MOVEMENT- GET

INVOLVED IN GOING GREEN

WITH USF!

18

CONCLUSION 19

GLOSSARY OF TERMS 20

ANNOTATED

BIBLIOGRAPHY 21

WORKS CITED 24

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Introduction Climate change is something that impacts each and everyone one of us. Being

environmentally conscious and creating an environment sustainable for future generations

remains a top priority amongst policymakers. Not only are environmentalists and policymakers

implementing changes on a mass scale but universities across the United States are becoming

more environmentally involved. The University of South Florida was ranked in the Princeton

Review Guide of 286 colleges as one of the top universities in the nation for its commitment to

sustainability. USF President Judy Genshaft has been the leader in creating eco-friendly

alternatives in order to reduce USFs carbon footprint. Along with university sustainability

initiatives, USF has also carried over its going green movement into the Tampa Bay Area.

Advocating for public transportation, more bike lanes and recycling programs have increased

public awareness about going green. Not only has USF Tampa been recognized for its

innovative ways of creating a sustainable environment but its satellite campuses throughout

the region have also joined the cause. USFSP has partnered with Duke Energy in creating a

zero-net parking garage by installing solar panels atop its garage in order to reduce energy

costs. USFs entire student body, faculty and staff have embraced climate change by becoming

increasingly environmentally conscious. In this proposal, we will take an in-depth look as to

how our climate change initiatives will not only be recognized in our community, but on a

global scale.

Environmental sustainability is the ability to maintain natural existing resources that

are valued in the physical environment. The simple principle sustainability revolves around is

everything that we need in order to survive. Overexploitation of resources such as oil, natural

gas, coal, fish and water have all created negative externalities that if continued at an

accelerated rate will ultimately jeopardize our future generations natural environment. In

order to conserve our resources, sustainability practices will ensure that we will continue to

have the water, materials and resources in order to protect our environment for future

generations. The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has serious concerns about whether

our social and economic consequences are having a direct impact on population growth and

resource depletion. Advancements in research and scientific development is what the EPA

hopes to focus on in order to protect the natural environment and promote a going green

movement. USF similarly views these concerns made by the EPA and has allocated resources

in order to make the university more eco-friendly to its surrounding environment.

We are proud to announce that all of the University of South Floridas campuses are

taking a step in the right direction and is going to be a part of that positive change. We as the

USF community have taken on the challenge to go green.

So what does it mean to go green? Going green means making our campus

environmentally friendly in a way that isnt too costly. This will not only benefit the world we

live in today but help benefit the future generations as well. The University of South Florida

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itself is one of the nations top green colleges, and USFSP has followed in its footsteps.

USFSP has the Green Energy Fund, a LEED Gold Certification for some of its buildings,

environmentally friendly computing, and other go green ideas initiated by the students. As

USF progresses towards going green, it strives to create an eco-friendly environment

throughout the entire campus and even into the surrounding community. USF's main method

of initiating the "GoGreen" project is through the three Rs: reduce, reuse and recycle. With the

help of student organizations such as the Center of Student Involvement and Emerging

GreenBuilders, students on campus participate in activities pertaining to the three Rs. Some of

these activities include the RecycleMania, a waste minimization contest, which the university

ranked second in the state. When it comes to reducing waste and reusing natural resources,

USF aims to create awareness. Some examples include encouraging students to invest in a

travel cup or mug, multiple refillable water bottle stations as well as USF dining being

styrofoam-free.

Executive Summary

The University of South Florida is not only an institution dedicated to creating

successful, contributing members to society through the education opportunities they offer,

but they are also committed to the long-lasting changes of the green movement. The

community driven initiatives of USF will be presented to show the exemplary efforts that USF

puts forth in research, education, and awareness in its sustainability objectives.

The vitality of USF and their commitment to the green movement will be presented

through a multitude of informational resources - from university research, interviews and press

releases to news outlets, charts, and tables. The report will show the history and evolution of

USF as a legitimate participant and innovative contributor to the green movement in both the

community and the collegiate setting.

The green initiatives of USF include LEED certified building, solar energy research,

community outreach programs from all of its campuses, as well as through the Patel Institute

of Global Sustainability. As the University of South Florida continues to devote itself to the

cause of sustainability, it is the hope that this report will generate further discourse that will

complement and expand the goals of USFSP to resolve the environmental burden that plagues

our society today.

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Why it is a Good Thing that Colleges Go Green and What Is the Outcome? The campaign to Go Green among college campuses has never been more paramount

than today. In light of changing public policy regarding climate change, colleges and

universities have the opportunity produce a leading effort in supporting sustainability. In 1992,

the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development agreed upon Agenda 21, an

action plan that emphasizes that human population, consumption, and technology are the

primary driving forces of environmental change. This document outlined steps to reduce

wasteful and inefficient consumption patterns in some parts of the world while encouraging

increased but sustainable development in others. Agenda 21 also states that "education is

critical for promoting sustainable development and improving the capacity of all people to

address environment and development issues". This is important because it created initiative

within higher education settings to become involved. As stated by Universities educate most

of the people who develop and manage society's institutions. For this reason, universities bear

profound responsibilities to increase the awareness, knowledge, Organizations like the

Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) share

sentiment and stress not only the obvious ecological benefits of colleges going green, but

research actually shows that universities participating in becoming more sustainable are

actually saving a lot of money and resources. In 2010, there were eighty four campuses that

had new solar energy installed, Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education reported

that from twenty nine of those eighty four campuses, a total of 50 million dollars would be

saved over the course of 10 years. An actual example of the benefits of colleges going green

can be found through USFs two solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at the MSC generate a total of

24.5 kW of clean renewable energy that is fed into the USF grid to help the university reach its

renewable energy goals and is estimated to save over 34,066 kWh a year (equivalent of $3,750

annually).

USF Office of Global Sustainability

The USF Patel College of Global Sustainability at the USF Tampa campus, which opened in

2010, uses a holistic academic curriculum focused on sustainability, research, scholarship, and

teaching. The first building at USF to be LEED certified, the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Global

Sustainability, offers Master degrees in Global Sustainability, research and scholarship

opportunities and devotes itself to the initiatives created by both the Office of Sustainability

and the Student Green Energy Fund. The forefront in all things sustainability-related, the USF

Office of Global Sustainability works in cooperation with numerous affiliations such as:

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African Development Bank/African Water Facility (AWF) on the issues of Urban Water

Security.

International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and the Florida Urban Forestry Council tree

maintenance, urban forest inventory and management and their impact on the

benefits and services provided by trees and the urban forest.

Florida Climate Institute (FCI) to help Florida businesses adapt to the consequences of

climate change.

The Patel School of Global Sustainability is also gaining legitimacy as an institution dedicated

to eco-friendly solutions as evident in their enrollment statistics:

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USF Go Green Timeline

April 2008, USF President, Judy Genshaft, signed the American College & University

Presidents Climate Commitment during the Getting Green by Going Green Expo.

In 2009, USF students came up with a project to say goodbye to plastic water bottles on

the campus. This project was a part of USFs commitment to fight Global Warming. The

students started this project to keep millions of water bottles out of landfills and save

students money spent on water bottles as well.

July 2009, The New Office of Sustainability is created with E. Christian Wells as the

founding director.

April 24, 2009 USF students won the EPAs prestigious People, Prosperity, and Planet

(P3) Competition and was awarded a 75,000 grant.

In 2010, USF ranked 25th out of the nation and 2nd in Florida in the Recyclemania

waste minimization contest. This contest is based on the amount of municipal solid

waste that is generated per person that is on the campus.

In 2010, USF opens the Patel College of Global Sustainability and the USFs Patel

Center for Global Solutions.

December 3, 2010, USF ranked 3rd in recycling and 4th in greenhouse reduction in the

Environmental Projections Game Day challenge during the NCAA Division I, Big East

Conference.

In 2011, USF was named Sierra Magazine's "Cool Schools" for its accomplishments and

commitment in sustainability and is also ranked in the top ten for the same

achievement in 2014.

2011, USF receives a Gold rating for its environmentally focused initiatives on

campus.

In 2012, the Patels donated $12 million to

the University of South Florida for the

College of Global Sustainability.

In 2012, USF, Hillsborough EPC and TECO

Energy merged together to create and sign

a new agreement to create a Clean Cities

Coalition. This agreement promotes the

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use of alternative fuels in transportation in the Tampa Bay area.

In 2012, USF received the Second Nature Climate Leadership Award for that year.

In 2012, USF's Interdisciplinary Sciences building received the Gold Standard rating as

an LEED certified building.

August 20, 2014 USF becomes on the Princeton Review's 2014 Green Rating Honor

Roll, and is the only University in Florida to have accomplished this thus far.

In 2014, the Patel Colleges gave out its first Eminent Global Scholar in Sustainability

Award to a Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Dr. Rajendra

Pachauri.

The graduating class of 2015 is the first to wear the new USF gowns that are each made

out of 23 recycled water bottles. This truly shows how USF and their students are

dedicated to being a sustainable and environmentally conscious campus.

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What is ACUPCC? How is USF affiliated?

ACUPCC is the American College University Presidents Climate Commitment, which is

a high-visibility effort that creates a network of colleges and universities that are committed

to accelerating research and educate to re-stabilize the Earths climate and neutralize their

greenhouse gas emissions. The mission of ACUPCC is to have institutions recognize and

commit to the progress of climate neutrality and sustainability and to have higher education

educate the students, help create solutions, and set an example for everyone in society. The

institutions who agree with ACUPCC sign that they will, as found on the American College and

University Presidents Climate Commitment webpage under the article Mission and History:

1. Complete an accounting method of pollutants that are released into the air.

2. Set an ideal deadline and aspiration that within two years, climate can become neutral.

3. Utilize short-term steps to take immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

4. Integrate sustainability into the curriculum and make it part of the educational experience.

5. Make the action plan, inventory and progress reports publicly available.

Cited : http://www.presidentsclimatecommitment.org/about/mission-history

The University of South Florida president, Judy Genshaft, signed the ACUPCC in 2008. Ever

since she signed the agreement, the university has become a noticeably greener campus.

The faculty and students dedication to becoming a more environmentally friendly and climate

neutral campus has been recognized throughout the nation. In 2012, USF was presented with

Second Nature Climate Leadership Award endorsed by the lead supporting organization of

ACUPCC. In an article on the University of South Florida website titled USF Received Top

Accolade for Environmental Action the founding director of the Office of Sustainability,

Christian Wells, was quoted that even though the award doesnt come with any fancy prize or

money, it does bring with it a deep sense of reward, knowing that our research on climate

change and our engagement with the Tampa Bay community is being honored at the highest

levels. The university is known around the world for a lot of things, and now we add our

commitment to saving the planet. The University of South Florida St. Petersburg has also

signed commitment with ACUPCC and states that their immediate steps are:

1. Initiate a strategy with guidelines for construction on all of the USF campuses to be

built by the U.S. Green Building Councils LEED Silver standard or equivalent.

2. Select a purchase policy for energy-efficient appliances with ENERGY STAR certified

product requirements.

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How to Become LEED Certified

The Science and Technology Building at USFSP contains many green features such as

storm water runoff management, bicycle storage, electric vehicle charging stations and water

efficient landscaping.

The LEED is the set of rating systems for the maintenance of green buildings and their

construction and operation. It stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

They help building owners be responsible and use their resources efficiently. There are four

levels of certification- Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. These levels are based on the

number of credits the building accrues in the categories: sustainable sites, water efficiency,

energy and atmosphere, materials and resources and indoor environmental quality.

The University of South Florida and its different campuses have strived to become

LEED Certified with their Green Buildings. LEED Buildings save money and resources while

promoted a clean and renewable energy. Having your building as LEED certified is the best

way to demonstrate that your project has truly gone green.

Along with the already LEED Certified green buildings at the University of South

Florida, they are anticipating a few other buildings throughout different campuses to become

LEED certified, including the new USF Polytechnic Phase 1 located in Lakeland. USF has a few

buildings already certified as Gold by LEED, including the USFs Interdisciplinary Sciences

and Dr. Kiran C. Patel Center for Global Solutions located in Tampa, and the Science and

Technology building and the University Student Center located at the St. Petersburg campus.

The Kate Tiedemann College of Business at the St. Petersburg campus is also anticipated to be

LEED Gold certified.

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2014 Designated Tree Campus Area

Tree Campus USA helps colleges and universities around the country establish and

contain healthy trees and forests around the community. In order to meet the Tree Campus

USA Recognition, the campus must meet the five standards; Campus tree advisory committee,

campus tree care plan, Campus Tree Program with Dedicated Annual Expenditures, Arbor Day

Observance, and Service Learning Projects. The University of South Florida received the

Designated Tree Campus Recognition in 2014. When USF first opened in 1956, the campus had

no trees but within the past 15 years alone, USF has planted more than 3,500 trees to help the

visual appearance but to mainly promote the importance of trees and benefits they have to

our world. Trees reduce energy costs from shade, absorbs water from the rain which limits

storm water runoff, and even enhances air quality through a filtration process. Receiving this

recognition is a commitment to reduce the energy a campus and/or a community needs to

produce by planting a lot of trees.

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USFSP Goes Green The University of South Florida was entitled one of the Nations Top Go Green

Campuses due to the University going above and beyond to make all its satellite campuses

environmentally friendly. The University of South Florida Saint Petersburg (USFSP) is

becoming more eco-friendly.. It is a sustainable campus as well, working on different projects

involving climate and energy, waste management, water efficiency, transportation, green

buildings, and green purchasing. USFSP has strategic goals to make their campus more

environmentally efficient and beneficial for not only today but the future as well. As there

Sustainability Strategic Plan is stated on their Sustainability page through their campus

website as:

STRATEGIES 5.1 Develop an integrated strategic enrollment plan 5.2 Optimize space

and facilities to support academic, residential and co-curricular needs. 5.3 Promote and

support environmentally sustainable practices. 5.4 Recruit, develop, nurture and retain

the necessary faculty and staff to achieve mission and goals. 5.5 Strengthen IT, distance

learning, library and instructional services to ensure the deployment of innovative

teaching and research technologies as they become available. 5.6 Continue

commitment to shared governance by supporting USF System and USF St. Petersburg

faculty and governance structures. 5.7 Design and enhance internal and external

communication systems to support mission and goals.

The University of South Florida St. Petersburg has signed an agreement with the

American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) to make their

campus a more sustainable college with climate and energy changes. The university commits

to completing a greenhouse gas inventory, setting target dates and milestones to become

climate neutral by having a Climate Action Plan, This plan will enforce immediate actions to

lower greenhouse gas emissions, integrating sustainability into the curriculum as well as

making going green a part of the educational experience students encounter, and lastly

making all of their action plans and progress documented into something that the public can

access.

There projects in climate and energy have included the butterfly garden that was

created in 2014 and was designed and paid for by the students at USFSP. It is also a certified by

the North American Butterfly Association Butterfly Garden and the Wildlife Habitat through

the National Wildlife Foundation. The garden only features native Florida plants which makes

it special to its home. Another project is the USFSP/ Duke Energy PV Solar Array. Duke Energy

Florida has awarded USFSP a one million dollar SunSense grant to research and fund a new

solar battery project that can use and store solar energy. This included a 00-kilowatt solar

photovoltaic system that is now stored at the top of the Universitys St. Petersburg campus

parking garage.

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USFSP is also environmentally conscious with their waste management. They dispose

of batteries and computers at local recycling centers, have automatic power off technology in

classrooms and labs that are idle, mobile phone recycling, battery and print cartridge recycling

and purchases to promote the use of recycled paper for computing needs and RoHS low power

computer hardware and peripherals.

The Student Green Energy Fund at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg has

helped fund 90% of the recycling on campus. Theyve placed recycling bins that have different

sections for regular trash, aluminum and plastic in twenty different locations around campus.

Each bin was made out of 937 recycled milk jugs.

Students at the University of South

Florida St. Petersburg come together

throughout the year to help keep their

school free of waste and help preserve

the bay they call home.

Interviews

This interview was conducted by Chloe Daubenspeck who interviewed Dr. Stephan

Schindler, Chair of the World Languages Department at USF and Dr. Margit Grieb, Head of the

German Section of the WLE at USF.

1. First off, what does going green mean to you?

a. Stephan: Educating my faculty and my teaching assistants to use electronic course

packages, tests, work sheets instead of papers. I would like to get rid of our copy

machine all together. I would also like to encourage deans to help with aiding an

electronic storage instead of paper storage. Finally, I would like to get rid of all office

phones because they cost a lot of money. Personally to me it means to consciously

reduce my carbon footprint. For example, people who like organic food have to make

sure that it is regionally grown and not imported from Peru and Mexico.

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b. Margit: Recycling, alternative energy and public transportation instead of cars.

2. USF has taken a major step in the past couples years in becoming a more sustainable

campus and is all together going green. We as a community have signed the American

College University Presidents Climate Commitment, became LEED certified and have several

clubs whose main focus is on going green, along with many more environmental solutions.

Do you think USF is taking the correct steps in the right direction, or do you think there are

more effective ways to go green?

a. Stephan: Encourage students use bikes by building better bike lanes, and giving

them the right away. It is very dangerous for them. USF could also throw in its political

power by challenging the republican leadership in tally to fed funding for a light railway

system in FL which would help local and state economy. For example, a tourist in

Orlando would have to take a tour bus or rent a car or you could have a railway system

that connects the two. Even students would use this.

b. Margit: I think USF has gone into the right direction, but has not gone far enough.

Public transportation on campus and to and from campus is still not a viable option for

people that live off campus. The campus should use more local vendors and dining

options for locally grown produce, including the increase of vegetarian and vegan

options on campus.

3. One of the most difficult things for environmental groups to accomplish has been to reach

out to schools in a way that is both meaningful and effective in a consistent manner. What

are some ways to improve such issues?

a. Stephan: It is basically education. Im not sure if this is being done, but

environmental groups should talk to them and see what they can do for them. People

need to be able to feel it in their daily lives and have it affect them personally.

b. Margit: Special events that highlight environmental concerns. Campaigns to

increase car sharing and bicycle usage.

4. When we look at the issue of climate change, regulating carbon emissions is essential.

What do you say to this, and what would be your approach to the massive challenge

ahead?

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a. Stephan: I second and would also add a big challenge to taxing gas. No one uses

public transportation if its not cheaper than a car.

b. Margit: Improve public transportation options in the Tampa bay region.

5. As the Chair of the department of World Languages (Head of the German Department),

do you do anything relating to sustainability or going green?

a. Stephan: Reduce paper use for research and teaching by introducing quotas for

each faculty. Ultimate goal is to not use anymore paper. Reduction of telephone use

and light use.

b. Margit: I require all TAs to avoid using paper in classes. I give workshops on how to

use canvas effectively.

6. Lastly, since we are in Germany, I might as well ask you about your original home.

Germany is a global leader when it comes to going green and being more environmentally

conscience. What makes them so successful in this movement and what do you think we

could learn from this European green powerhouse?

a. Stephan: Model collaboration between public and private sector with the creation

of sustainable energy systems. Conscious efforts by most urban Germans to use alternative

modes of transportation (walking, cycling..). High taxation of electricity and etc. It forces

people to use less.

b. Margit: ALL Germans believe in climate change. The government subsidizes most

environmental campaigns and ordinances. Such as solar and wind power. Germans are very

conscientious about following the law and German law is very strict about recycling.

Interviewees Dr. Stephan Schindler, Chair of the World

Languages Department at USF and Dr. Margit Grieb, Head

of the German Section of the WLE at USF

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This interview was conducted by Mallory Dupuis who interviewed Teri Deardorff a USFSP

Ambassador, USC Summer Conference Assistant, Director of Traditions - Harbor side

Activities Board, Vice Director - 2015 Week of Welcome, and an old member of the Student

Green Energy Fund (SGEF).

1. Can you describe to me what the Student Green Energy Fund is and what SGEF did for

the community and the campus?

Student Green Energy Fund (SGEF) is a $1 per credit hour fee for each student in each

semester that gets pooled into one account that can be used, at the discretion of the SGEF

committee made of student, faculty, and staff voting members, for projects that directly

impact (by lowering) our greenhouse gas emissions and wastes on campus. Currently,

Student Green Energy Fund has voted to fund projects (proposed also by students, faculty,

or staff) such as the Solar Doks (near the waterfront and the pole on Harborwalk near STG),

fast fill water fountains, the Curve treadmills and green bikes, the hybrid truck utilized by

the waterfront, and several other projects.

2. What was your role in the Student Green Energy Fund?

I was involved with SGEF between August 2012 and January 2014. During that time, I

worked mainly as the ranking media officer and worked closely with Dan McGarigal on our

online presence.

3. What kind of projects did you do while in the Student Green Energy Fund?

During my time with SGEF, as the ranking media officer I worked with our Facebook page

and getting us set up on PeteSync when we got that system for our campus. I also worked

really closely with Race for the Watts, which is a program where we partner with Campus

Recreation at the Fitness Center to raise awareness about SGEF and the projects that we

have in place in the fitness center - the treadmills, bikes, and water bottle refill stations.

4. Do you believe Student Green Energy Fund makes a big impact on the community?

I think SGEF makes a big impact on our community. It allows our community members to

spot problems or things that can be made better and create their own solutions to the

issues, with the added benefit of having those ideas actually come to life and make real

impacts!!

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5. As an Ambassador at the University of South Florida, do you do any thing relating to

sustainability/ going green?

Currently, the Ambassadors do not have any sustainability or green initiatives. It's not

something we are not opposed to though! We would definitely love to partner with any

orgs if they wanted to work with us!

Interviewee Teri Deardorff at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg

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Duke Energy Grants 1 Million to USFSP Solar Research

In May of 2015, Duke Energy revealed a new solar battery project and granted a one

million dollar grant to fund research at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg. This new

solar battery project is exploring and researching how to store and use energy from the sun by

placing a 100-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system on top of the St. Petersburg Campus parking

garage. The solar energy that is not used in parking garage for lighting, elevators and charging

of electric vehicles will be stored in battery systems or put for immediate use. In an article

online posted by AZO Cleantech, New Solar Battery Project Unveiled by Duke Energy Florida

and USFSP, they state how the USFSP Regional Chancellor, Sophia Wisniewska, commented

on the subject saying "This is an opportunity to manage energy costs, while promoting

sustainability on campus." The solar array placed on top of the USFSP Parking Garage is

approximately 7,100 square feet, with 318 individual panels.

USF Sarasota- Manatee Joins USFs Go Green Movement In 2010, the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus added a new chiller

plant with a new thermal storage system. This system, called the Central Energy Plant, has

helped the university drop energy costs by 25% since the campus opened in 2006. Regional

Chancellor Dr. Arthur Guilford believes that this project will continue to drop costs by $100,000

dollars a year. The Central Energy Plant system is supporting the USF Sarasota Manatee

campus to achieve the LEED certification for campus facilities. The students at this campus

have also created a program called the Adopt-A-Road program, which has been honored by

the Keep Sarasota County Beautiful. This program is affiliated with the Student Government

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Association and four times a year, the students participate in cleanup of the University

Parkway road. The students at USFSM are also incorporating other green initiatives like

placing recycling bins around the campus, switching to LED light bulbs, and providing reusable

water bottles for students. They also have multiple projects and programs for students to get

involved with like the Go Green Beach Clean, Habitat for Humanity, and others to make the

campus a more sustainable university.

Join the Movement- Get Involved in Going Green with USF! Get Involved- USFSP Style

USFSP invites students to join and participate in the Clubs on campus like the Student

Environmental Awareness Society and the Garden Club. As well as looking into the Clean

Energy and Resource Conservation Commission (CERCC) the Student Green Energy Fund

(SGEF). They also offer transportation alternatives like the car and bike share programs, PSTA

U-Pass, and EV charging!

Get Involved- USF Tampa Style

Tampa students and faculty have multiple ways in which students can get involved, you

can join the college of sustainability, the SGEF fund, or even find ways off campus to get

involved with going green. The website, Compositing Green books, is a student based website

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that gives ideas to making the community a more sustainable place whether its on campus or

off. The Education for a Sustainable World University of South Florida, which site gives a way

for students who are interested in the environment a way to join a discussion forum and speak

of issues. This avenue of research could be used to present the participation of the student

body as a whole. In allowing a public forum for people to share their sustainability-related

concerns and interests, it provides bonding opportunities amongst the community. Your input

could cause others to agree and come about new projects in making the community more

sustainable!

Get Involved: YOUR style!

Take action and educate others on the effects of going green, become environmentally

conscience, and create a sustainable environment and natural climate. Apply for jobs and

internships with opportunities in a career with sustainability. Volunteer at different places to

help contribute to our home. Use less plastic, reuse anything you can, know recycling

guidelines, and educate future generations of how to be more conscious of the environment!

Little steps will count in the long run, and not only is it cost beneficial, but it helps elongate our

resources to be used for as long as possible.

Conclusion Over the last 8 years, the University of South Florida has implemented numerous

sustainable projects to reduce its carbon footprint. USF Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota

have all made significant contributions to create a more eco-friendly environment. USFs

students, faculty and staff have embraced the challenge of global climate change and continue

to make strides in improving the environment throughout their respected communities.

Reducing waste, constructing LEED buildings, encouraging public transportation, minimizing

energy costs and many other eco-friendly practices have made USF a nationally recognized

university in sustainable commitment. While the future may remain in doubt, USF continues to

make the going green movement a top priority. Our commitment and innovative ideas

continue to push for a more sustainable environment.

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Glossary of Terms 1. AASHE Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education

2. ACUPCC the American College University Presidents Climate Commitment

3. CLIMATE ACTION PLAN A set of strategies intended to guide efforts for reducing

greenhouse gas emissions.

4. CARBON FOOTPRINT the amount of carbon dioxide and other carbon compounds

emitted due to the consumption of fossil fuels by a particular person, group, etc.

5. CLIMATE CHANGE A change in global or regional climate patterns, in particular a

change apparent from the mid to late 20th century onwards and attributed largely to

the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels.

6. DUKE ENERGY is the largest electric power holding company in the United States

7. EV CHARGING Referring to an electric vehicle charging station, also called EV

charging station, that is an element in an infrastructure that supplies electric energy for

the recharging of electric vehicles.

8. GREEN BUILDING The practice of creating structures and using processes that are

environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life-cycle

from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation and

deconstruction.

9. GREEN MOVEMENT A scientific, social, and political movement for addressing

environmental issues such as conservation of environment as well as improving the

state of environment.

10. LEED CERTIFICATION Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. A Rating

system that offers four certification levels for new construction -- Certified, Silver, Gold

and Platinum -- that correspond to the number of credits accrued in five green design

categories: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and

resources and indoor environmental quality.

11. ROHS Restriction of Hazardous Substances. RoHS restricts the use of specific

hazardous materials found in electrical and electronic products.

12. SGEF Student Green Energy Fund

13. SUSTAINABILITY Something that improves the quality of human life while living

within the carrying capacity of supporting eco-systems.

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Annotated Bibliography

"Duke Energy, USF St. Petersburg to Fire up $1 Million Solar Panel System." Tampa Bay Times. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 June 2015. .

Duke Energy partnered with USFSP in building a 100 kilo-watt solar panel system that will be placed atop of USFSPs parking garage. USFSP hopes that this will help gather research to explore the integration of storing solar energy in new battery systems, while helping to reduce energy costs. This shows how USFSP involves itself in energy reduction practices.

"Engineers for a Sustainable World at USF." Engineers for a Sustainable World at USF.

N.p., n.d. Web. 16 June 2015. .

This site gives a way for students who are interested in the environment a way to join a discussion forum and speak about environmental issues impacting our community. This avenue of research could be used to present the participation of the student body as a whole. It would create a public forum for people to share their sustainability-related concerns and interests; it provides bonding opportunities amongst the community.

"Going Green and Saving Green: University of South Florida Celebrates One-Year All

Ecos Anniversary." Sustainable Trends in Foodservice. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 June 2015. .

USF has also revolutionized itself among other universities by reducing waste through a program called Eco-Takeouts. As of 2010, USF has eliminated all types of Styrofoam takeouts by adding a $4.00 deposit fee on meal plans. Prior to implementing this fee, Styrofoam containers contributed to over 30% of all garbage and over 250,000 containers were discarded annually. With this fee, USF Dining Services have saved over $6,000 dollars. This initiative is just one of many ways that the USF foodservice has implemented in order to save money, reduce waste and practice a more sustainable environment.

"Green Initiatives." Undergraduate Admissions. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 June 2015.

.

USF Tampa has been the focal point of providing a template as to how we can reduce our universitys carbon footprint but USFSP has taken on its own initiatives in committing itself to environmental stewardship. USFSP prides itself on battery and computer disposal with its local partnerships, mobile phone and ink cartridge recycling and purchasing recycled paper for all its computer needs. The student body has

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embraced this green initiative and has integrated sustainable practices within the faculty, staff and community of St. Petersburg. Along with this movement, USFSP created the Student Green Energy Fund in 2011 and accrued $300,000 dollars towards renewable energy and efficiency projects.

"Sustainability Challenge." - University of South Florida. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 June 2015. .

In 2012, USF was a finalist and winner in the Second Nature 2012 Climate Leadership Award for the Doctorate Granting University Category. This shows an increase in effort by USF to become a recognized university with regards to its dedication to conservation and reduction practices since signing the American Colleges and Universitys Climate Commitment in 2008.

"University of South Florida College Sustainability Report Card 2011." University of

South Florida. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 June 2015. .

This report shows how USF has conducted a greenhouse gas emission inventory in order to reduce its carbon footprint. The university audits individual energy consumption and has monitoring energy displays around campus. Much of USF generates its renewable energy through solar panels and is continuing to purchase its electricity through renewable sources of energy. Along with transportation, green buildings and student initiatives, USF received a B+ for its overall grade and is continuing to improve on its sustainable practices and getting the community more involved.

"University of South Florida Continues to Make Advances in Campus Sustainability."

Patel School of Global Sustainability RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 June 2015. .

Further material shows how the progression of USF and its accomplishments are receiving the Gold rating in their Sustainability, Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STAR) The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) and being recognized as a Tree Campus USA from the National Arbor Day Foundation. These achievements could be used to show examples of USFs participation within the green movement.

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"USF Electric Car Owners Get a Boost." The Oracle. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 June 2015. .

In 2015, John Pilzs proposal to make electric car charging stations available on USFs campus received funding from the Student Green Energy Fund. For the installation of additional electric vehicle charging stations on USFs Tampa and St. Petersburg campus, Duke Energy and Nissan donated USFSPs charging station, which will be used for research with the help of USFSP College of Engineering. This shows another student initiative in creating a more energy efficient university that will benefit its students and the universitys energy emissions.

"USF Graduation Gowns Made of Plastic Bottles." 10NEWS. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 June

2015. .

This source is further proof of USFs commitment to going green in ways that are both efficient, cost-effective and applicable to everyone. USF has used reusable plastics to make graduation gowns and has shown its dedication and ingenuity providing eco-friendly alternatives.

"USF One of Nation's Top Green Colleges." - University of South Florida. N.p., n.d. Web.

16 June 2015. .

States how the University of South Florida is a nationally ranked green campus and adds credibility to the white paper. The Princetons Review Guide of 286 colleges has USF as one of the top universities in the nation that has shown a commitment to sustainability. In 2010, USF launched the nations first School of Global Sustainability, which prepared students for green collar careers. USF President Judy Genshaft campaigned for the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment program, which would be designated to reduce carbon emissions. Sustainability by all of USFs campuses has embraced environmental initiatives by faculty, staff and students to make going green a priority

"USF St. Petersburg Student Green Energy Fund (SGEF)." USFSP Connect. N.p., n.d.

Web. 16 June 2015. .

The Student Green Energy Fund is another example of involvement at the local and

student level in creating a more sustainable environment surrounding USF. This

student-led organization cooperates with USF Tampas Office of Sustainability in order

to propose and push forth student ideas and proposals.

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Works Cited "About the Authors." Sociological Forum 28.1 (2013): 206-11. Web.

"Attention: Application Deadline for the MA Program Is May 1 for International and July 1 for Domestic Students." Patel School of Global Sustainability RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 June 2015. .

"Duke Energy, USF St. Petersburg to Fire up $1 Million Solar Panel System." Tampa Bay Times. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 June 2015. .

"Engineers for a Sustainable World at USF." Engineers for a Sustainable World at USF. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 June 2015. .

"Going Green and Saving Green: University of South Florida Celebrates One-Year All Ecos Anniversary." Sustainable Trends in Foodservice. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 June 2015. .

"Green Initiatives." Undergraduate Admissions. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 June 2015. .

"LET'S GET GREEN!" Green USF! N.p., n.d. Web. 17 June 2015. .

"New Solar Battery Project Unveiled by Duke Energy Florida and USFSP." New Solar Battery Project Unveiled by Duke Energy Florida and USFSP. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 June 2015. .

"Planting Trees for a More Sustainable and Livable Campus." - University of South Florida. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 June 2015. .

Sgef, The, Approved By The Florida Board Of Governors In 2011,, Students At The Usf Tampa Campus Are Given The, and Opportunity To Vote In A Student Body Referendum Every. STUDENT GREEN ENERGY FUND: TURNING GOLD TO GREEN AT USF Student Green Energy Fund (n.d.): n. pag. Web.

"Sustainability | Climate/Energy." Sustainability. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 June 2015. .

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"Sustainability | Sustainable Campus." Sustainability. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 June 2015. .

"University of South Florida College Sustainability Report Card 2011." University of South Florida. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 June 2015. .

"University of South Florida Continues to Make Advances in Campus Sustainability." Patel School of Global Sustainability RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 June 2015. .

"USF Electric Car Owners Get a Boost." The Oracle. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 June 2015. .

"USF Graduation Gowns Made of Plastic Bottles." 10NEWS. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 June 2015. .

"USF One of Nation's Top Green Colleges." - University of South Florida. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 June 2015. .

"USF Receives Top Accolade for Environmental Action." - University of South Florida. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 June 2015. .

"USF Sarasota-Manatee Goes." USF SarasotaManatee. N.p., 09 Nov. 2010. Web. 17 June 2015. .

"USF-SM Is Going Green." - University of South Florida. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 June 2015. .

"USF St. Petersburg Student Green Energy Fund (SGEF)." USFSP Connect. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 June 2015. .

Table of ContentsIntroductionExecutive SummaryWhy it is a Good Thing that Colleges Go Green and What Is the Outcome?USF Office of Global SustainabilityUSF Go Green TimelineWhat is ACUPCC? How is USF affiliated?How to Become LEED Certified2014 Designated Tree Campus AreaUSFSP Goes GreenInterviewsDuke Energy Grants 1 Million to USFSP Solar ResearchUSF Sarasota- Manatee Joins USFs Go Green MovementJoin the Movement- Get Involved in Going Green with USF!ConclusionGlossary of TermsAnnotated BibliographyWorks Cited